Overview

This book focuses on the methodology and analysis of state and local population projections. It describes the most commonly used data sources and application techniques for four types of projection methods: cohort-component, trend extrapolation, structural models, and microsimulation. It covers the components of population growth, sources of data, the formation of assumptions, the development of evaluation criteria, and the determinants of forecast accuracy. It considers the strengths and weaknesses of various projection methods and pays special attention to the unique problems that characterize small-area projections.    The authors provide practical guidance to demographers, planners, market analysts, and others called on to construct state and local population projections. They use many examples and illustrations and present suggestions for dealing with special populations, unique circumstances, and inadequate or unreliable data. They describe techniques for controlling one set of projections to another, for interpolating between time points, for sub-dividing age groups, and for constructing projections of population-related variables (e.g., school enrollment, households). They discuss the role of judgment and the importance of the political context in which projections are made. They emphasize the “utility” of projections, or their usefulness for decision making in a world of competing demands and limited resources.   This comprehensive book will provide readers with an understanding not only of the mechanics of the most commonly used population projection methods, but also of the many complex issues affecting their construction, interpretation, evaluation, and use.​

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9789402402759

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Reviews

In fourteen chapters it provides the reader with the necessary tools for creating numerous population projection methods. ... both graduate and upper-level undergraduate students could use this book as the sole textbook for a course, or as a supplement focusing on select chapters. Similarly, those who need a refresher on specific projection fundamentals will find this book full of helpful information. ... Reading this book is an eye-opening journey into the complex world of population projections/forecasts. (Alison Yacyshyn, Canadian Studies in population, Vol. 42 (3-4), 2015)

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